Coal-mining machine



Aug. 12, 1947.

C. E. HAIR COAL-MINING MAC'HiNE 2 sheets-shelet 1 Filed April l, 1944 /m/fA/roR: CHARLAS Eb'w/'f/ HA/R,

Nm, NM.

HrToRA/fr.

Aug. 1.2, 1947. E. HAIR 2,425,467

COAL-MINING MACHINE Patented Aug. 12, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT GFFICE COAL-MINING MACHINE Charles Edwin Hair, Benton, Ill.

Application April 1, 1944, Serial No. 529,106

6 Claims.

This invention relates generally to miningmachines. More particularly, my invention has to do with, and has for its object the improvement generally of, coal-mining machines of the articulated or jointed type specifically illustrated and described in United States Letters Patent Nos. 2,346,676, 2,346,677, 2,346,678, and 2,346,679, all issued on April 18, 1944, to myself and Richard T. Hair, the latter formerly of Benton, Illinois, and now of Franklin, Pennsylvania,

And with the above and other objects in View, my invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, arrangement, and combination of parts presently described and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings (two sheets)- Figure 1 is a side elevational View, partly broken away and in section, of a coal-mining machine constructed in accordance with and embodying my present invention, the several pistons of the machine being in normal or contracted condition and the machine illustrated as disruptingly or dislodgingly disposed in a coal wall or body;

Figure 2 is a similar view of the machine, showing the several units of the machine in successively piston-elongating condition and in variously pivotally shifted relation as in and during the breaking down of the coal-wall or body.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmental longitudinal sectional view of the machine taken approximately on the line 3 3, Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the machine taken approximately on the line 4 4, Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail longitudinal sectional view of the machine taken approximately on the line 5 5, Figure 2;

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmental sectional view of the machine taken approximately on the line 6 6, Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an enlarged transverse sectional View through one of the single-jack units of the machine, taken approximately on the line 1 1, Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a similar View, illustrating the jack of Figure 7 in fully extended position;

Figure 9 is a slightly enlarged fragmental plan view of the machine;

Figure 10 is a transverse or cross-sectional view of the machine taken approximately on the line I I0, Figure 2 and Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a reduced broken central longitudinal sectional view through any one of the piston pressure-pads or blocks;

Figure 12 is a `detail sectional View taken approximately on the line |2 |2, Figure 2; and

Figure 13 is an enlarged transverse sectional view through one of the multiple-jack units of the machine, taken approximately on the line 13 l3, Figure 1.

Referring now in more detail and by reference characters to the drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of my invention, the machine, briely outlined, preferably includes a series of single and multiple-jack units A and B, each unit A comprising a single jack and each multiple unit B comprising a selected plurality of jacks, and the single and multiple-jack or power units of selected number being hingedly connected one with the other for articulation, all as presently fully appearing. It may be here stated that the machine is preferably built up, for purposes presently stated, to comprise a selected plurality of single-jack units A and a pair of adjoining multiple-jack units B, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Each unit A consists of a single cylinder b and a single preferably two-part extensible or telescopic reciprocatory plunger or piston c. Hence the cylinder-block or body l of unit A is preferably of rectangular contour or shape in plan and of selected height and dimensions for strength and rigidity, block l preferably having lateral extensions or enlargements la' and a transversely disposed rounded or arcuate under face, as at 2, as indicated in Figures 7 and 8, and provided with a cylinder-forming cavity or chamber, as at 3, opening to and upon its upper face.

Piston c is sized for slidable co-operation with cylinder b and telescopically comprises a tubular portion 4 annularly enlarged and thereby provided adjacent its lower end with an annular shoulder, as at 5, for engagement with a ring 6 thread-seated in the upper end of the cylindercavity 3 for limiting outward or expanding movement of the piston-portion 4 with respect to the cylinder b and a piston-rod portion 'I similarly enlarged and thereby provided adjacent its lower end with an annular shoulder, as at 8, for engaging with an annular shoulder 9 provided upon, and adjacent the upper end of, the member 4 for similarly limiting outward or expanding movement of the piston 1 with respect to the tubular member 4. It might be here mentioned that the cylinder b and the piston c are so relatively proportioned and sized as to be completely nested when in normal or contracted condition, as best seen in Figures 1, 7, and 13, and to have 3 a stretch of approximately three inches when in abnormal or fully expanded or extended condition, as best seen in Figure 8.

At their respective lower ends, it may be here mentioned, the piston-members 4, 1, are annularly reduced, as best seen in Figures '7 and 8, for accommodating suitable cylinder-wall engaging or sealing ring-assemblies Ill, lil, preferably held in place by a suitablyrsized anged cap Il and an interposed ring i2, the cap ll being apertured in its end wall, as at i3, for purposes presently appearing Each multiple-jack unit B, in turn, includes suitably elongated generally oblong-rectangular block l' preferably similarly laterally enlarged, as at la, continuously rounded or of arcuate 'con'- tour on its under face, as at 2', and suitably 'cored' in the provision of a selected plurality of the cylinders b disposed in a line in parallel relation, working in eachof whiclris aV piston c. It will bejundersto'odthat the 'unit B may Cempri'se a selected plurality or the cylinders b 'and pistons c. Preferably, as. here shown, and for example, each unit' B has ,live pairs of companion or coperable cylinders b and reciprocatory pistons c.

Threadedly engaged, as by a projecting stud id, with, and seated upon the upper or free end of, each 'of the' pistonr'o'ds 'l of thevseveral units A, is a head D constructedA of any 'suitable preferably metallic material, rounded'or arcuate upon its upper face, as at d, and cut away "and shouldere'du'pon its perimeter, as at d', for smoothly and 'snugly iitting the correspondingly arcuately shaped and under-cut under face e of a suitable pressure-pad or block E, which is preferably of rectangular voutline or contour in plan and of suitable length' for co-'operable vengagement with a single 'piston-head D. Thus, as seen in Figure 2, the block'l, cylinder b, and piston c 'of each single jack unit A may, with respect to its pressure-pad E' and as presently more fully appears, tilt in the longitudinal direction of the machine.

'In the lcase of a multiple-jack unit B, the block orlpad E is preferably also of oblong-rectangular outline or contour in plan, but is suitably elongated for coioperable engagement with the pluralfpist'ons c `of the particular unit, as best seen in -Figures l; v2, and 13, and for such purpose, the blockorpad E is suitably provided in proper or c'o-operatively spaced relation along its length withoneorvmore openings l5 foreach freely or loosely 'accommodating a portion Aof a head D similarly threadedly engaged with particular piston c. Thustheblock E becomes a detachable part of the particular unit B, the opening `|'5 having such shape, and dimensions relatively to the' head D that the pistons c of the unit may alsotilt somewhat relativelygto the block AE and likewise in the, longitudinal direction of the machine, the vblock or pad E or E' having a transversely` disposed arcuate vupper face, all for purposes presently fully appearing.

As inthe machine of said Patent No. 2,346,679, the'cylinder-iorming block or body l or'l of'each unit,except the one 'end unit A', of a machine is providedin the plane of its lower half and upon its opposite sides with angularly opposed somewhat'rectangul'ar extensions F, which project'lengthwise of the particular unit, while the cylinder-forming block or body l of each end unit A of the machineis rlikewise'provi-ded Vin the-plane of its lower half, but merely upon its left-side, as seen in Figures 1 and'2, with a similar oblong-rectangular extension F', vwhich Valso projects lengthwise of the particularunit,'each 4 extension F, F', being formed or provided upon its inner face with a cavity or recess, as at I6, having an annular side wall threaded, as at I l, for seating a ring G correspondingly threaded upon its outer periphery and provided circumferentially upon its inner periphery with a pair of suitably spaced ballgrooves or outer races I8, I B, co-operable with opposed companion ballgrooves or inner races I8 formed circumferentially upon the outer peripheral face of a tubular wrist-pin 29, which latter has a length equal to the combined width of Atwo of the rings G and with which rings G the pin 20 is coeo-perable inhi'ngedly joining together two units of the inaA chine. e

As best seen in Figures 3,4, and 6, each body or block extension F, F', is formed in a side face thereof with a threaded aperture, as at 2l, which at its inner end opens into a groove-communieating recess or cavity g in the ring G and through which aperture 2i and cavity g suitable spheres Vor balls 22 may be poured to seat within the races formed by the companion grooves IE5-JIS, the aperture 2| being, 4in turn, closed by a threaded plug 23 having 'a shank or 'end'p'r`o jection 23 of suiiicien't diametrical ldirmension for retaining the spheres 22 to their respective races.

Formed in the base of the cylinder-block I of each respective unit A of the machine and 'communicating at one end with a respective recess or cavity I6 and at its opposite end with its cylinder A,chamber 3, as best seen in Figure 3, are Vopposed hydraulic or vother suitable huid channels g Likewise formed in the base of the lcylinder block I vvof leach respective unit B of the machine and 'communicating at one end with a respectiveV the unit and at its outer end opening into 'af small chamber 25 Vformed in a block enlargement 26 and internally threaded for accommodating a nipple or the like 21 for communicating connection, as by means of a iiexible hose uor tubular 4section H, 'with a suitable source. of `p'isto'nactuating fluid supply. Atfthe opposite -end "of the machine, a suitable plugor'the like '28, as shown Ain Figure 12, is thread-seated inthe endrnenfiber F for closure of the end fluid-channel 24. Preferably the `end una A'Yis provided with avlongitudinally outwardly presented relatively thick or block-shapedear` 29, for purposes shortly appearing.

And in -joining one unit A or B vto anadjoining or adjacent unit, a ring Gis 'threadlseated in each respective rcavity or -reces's' Hi of companion extensions F or F', a tubular wrist-pin 20 fitted' within one -of such rings G, the'extensions 'Ffor F vof vthe `particular yjacks, then `l`disposed with their inner faces in overlapping relation, 'andthe exposed portion ofthe particular 'wrist-'pin `20 then seated inthe companion ring Gbf 'the-particular joint, when `the races Ill-LIS soform'ed .5 are filled with the spheres or balls 22, as previously described.

It will be noted that the wrist pins 29 are lengthwise disposed in right-angular relation to the pistons C and their accommodating cylinders b, and thus adjacent or adjoining units of a machine are hingedly joined or connected for relative articulation, the balls or spheres 22 functioning not only as anti-friction members for facilitating hinged movements or articulations of the respective units, but in also retaining such units in such hinged or articulate relation.

As best seen in Figures 7, 8, and 13 the blocks or pads E, E are extended at and along their opposite side margins to hoodwise or umbrellawise project downwardly, as at e', over the piston or pistons c of the particular unit and for unit strengthening or re-enforcing purposes, the upper and lower block lateral extensions e' and la also increasing the bearing area of the particular block with respect to the hole in the coal-wall within which it may be disposed, as presently more fully appears.

In addition, the pads E, E are formed at one end, as best seen in Figures l, 2, 9, and 10, with a recess or opening, as at 3U, of a, shape in transverse section and of a depth to slidably accomn modate a correspondingly shaped tongue or shank 32 of a rigid coupling-member J, which includes a head 33 forked or bifurcated to comprise iingers 34 loosely fitting in companion slots or bifurcations 35 formed for the purpose in the opposite end of the adjacent block E or E', as the case may be. Engaging the fingers 34, 36 of such companion or adjoining blocks are transversely disposed connecting pivot-pins 31.

Thus the blocks or pads E, E of the several units of the machine are coupled together for, while freely permitting unit articulation, forming a continuous unit hood extending in a sub-- stantially unbroken manner from end to end of the machine for purposes presently appearing.

It will further be noted that, in so hingedly connecting adjoining units for relative articulation, the tubular wrist-pins 2B align or register with respective fluid channels of the units, and hence the expanding actuating fluid entering the channel 24 of the end unit A flows into and through its cylinder-chamber 3 and then, in succession, through the several units of the machine and is suitably, by vacuum or otherwise, drained back to the source of supply, as presently appears, the several pistons c of the several units being telescopically extended in sequence as the actuating fluid thus hows in expanding direction from one unit to the next unit of the particular machine.

Accordingly, in use and operation, a kerf K is suitably formed or produced in or adjacentI the bottom level of the particular Wall or body W of coal being mined, and in suitably spaced relation upwardly from the kerf K a desired plurality of suitably spaced holes L of desired depth are formed in the coal-body W. The greatest breaking force in a coal dislodging operation is required at the inner or so-called closed end of the particular holes L. Hence machines of my invention are then lengthwise disposed in selected holes L with the main power or multiple-jack units B foremost for exerting the greatest breaking force at the closed end of the hole L, the

several pistons c of the respective units A and B being in contracted condition or in the condition thereof illustrated in Figures 1, 7, and 13.

The tube or pipe I-I of the end unit A of the particular machine is suitably connected with a source of iluid supply, and the fluid in suiiicient Volume or amount led into the successive cylinders b of the several units of the machine. Then, as the pistons c of the several units are thus successively elongated or extended, that portion of the coal wall W intermediate the kerf K and the holes L is, under the relatively great pressure exerted thereupon through the pivotally connected pads cr blocks E', E', under the expanding or elongating pistons c, successively disrupted and dislodged, as indicated in Figure 2, and its removal from the mine thereby conveniently facilitated.

In such a dislodging operation, the pads or blocks E, E', are shifted outwardly or upwardly by the elongating pistons c throughout their eX- panding stroke and, at the same time, the several pads or blocks E, E', may` rock or shift, within limits, lengthwise or longitudinally of the machine with respect to the several pistons c, and, in addition, the pivot or hinge-coupling between the several blocks I, l', and also the sliding connection provided by the coupling-members J between the several blocks E, E', of the several units of a machine readily permit a hingedly shifting movement in graduated increasing amount from the base of each unit to its particular pressure pad, with the result that, as the coal shifts under the disrupting pressure exerted thereon by the several pads or blocks E', E', imparted by the power exerted by the successively expanding pistons c of each successive unit, any one or more of the units of the machine may articulate or move hingedly with respect to the remaining units. In all such movements, the outward movement of the several pistons c is limited and controlled by the companion shoulder couplets 5 5 and 8--9, the pads or blocks E, E', of the several units freely rocking or shifting, as described, with the breaking coal.

Thus the machine augments and facilitates shifting movement of the dislodged coal, and at the same time the relative flexibility of the several units eliminates and obviates breaking of the machine in or by shifting movement of the disrupting coal, the respective arcuate faces of the respective blocks or pads E, E, and of the respective blocks or bases I, I', and the hinged coupling-members J facilitating engagement of the machine with the coal-body, as well as subsequent movement of the respective units, under the shifting movement of the disrupted coal.

On a draining back of the motive fluid, the pistons c of the several units will automatically return to normal contracted condition, when the machine may be easily removed for successive like operations.

In all such shifting movements of the respective units of a particular machine, the hose connection H is protected from injury or damage by the underlying ear 29 of the end unit A and also re-enforced and protected from damage or breakage during mining operations as by means of an inverted U-shaped brace or guard 38 having its opposite arms 39 disposed on opposite sides of, and by means of a pin or the like 40 pivotally secured to, the ear 29.

It may be remarked that the present machine comprises, in effect, three base castings, namely, the base casting of the end unit A', the base castings I of the units A, and the base casting of the units B, and two hood castings, namely, the pads or blocks E, E'. The machine may be thus economically constructed, and, as shown in Figure- 4, the pins 2D are preferably suitably equipped Withv sealing Vgaskets 42.

It is to be understood that changes and modica'tions in the form, construction, arrangement, and co'mbination'of the several parts of -themachine may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described without departing from the nature and principle of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by 'Letters Patent is:

. 1. In a mining-machine, a pair of power-units, each unit including a co-operable cylinder and reciprocatory piston, means joining the cylinders for unit articulation, pressure-pads mounted on and movable With the respective pistons, and means comprising a rigid member having a movable connection With the pads for coupling the pistons for accommodating unit articulation.

2. Ina mining-machine, a pair of power-units, each unit including a co-operable cylinder and reciprocatory piston, means joining the cylinders for unit articulation, pressure-pads mounted on andV movable vwith the respective pistons, and means'comprising a rigid member having pivot connection with one pad and sliding connection with the other pad for coupling'the pistons together for accommodating yunit articulation.

3. In a mining-machine, a pair of power-units, each unit including a co-operable cylinder and reciprocatory pistons, means joining the cylinders for unit articulation, pressure-pads mounted on and movable with the respective pistons, one pad having an end recess and the other pad having a forked extension, and means comprising a rigid member having a shank disposed slidably in said recess and spaced ngers pivotally engaged With said extension for coupling the pistons for accommodating unit articulation.

4. In a mining-machine, a pair of power-units, each unit including aY co-operable cylinder and a reciprocatory piston, means joining the cylinders for unit articulation, pressure-pads mounted on and movable With the respective pistons, said for unit articulation, pressure-pads mounted on A and movable With therespective pistons, said pads being spaced one vfrom the other, and meanscomprising a rigid member movably connectedwith, and disposed4 intermediate, therpads for forming with the pads va Vsubstantially `continuous articulated pressure-hood. j Y 6. In amining-machine, a pair of powerunits, each unit includingaco-operable cylinderandreciprocatory pistons, means joining the cylinders for unit articulation, a rst pressure pad having an end recess, a `second pressure pad yhavingV a forked extension, and means comprising a rigid member having a shank of cross-sectional shape complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the end recess, said shank being disposed slidably in said recess, and spaced lingers pivotally engaged with Said extension for coupling the pistons for accommodating unit articulation.

CHARLES EDWIN HAIR. 1

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES riafrrirrrs Germany July 11, V1924 

